324780 Rosemount Estate Roxburgh Chardonnay 2001, Hunter Valley, Australia $44.95: If you're a chard freak, this will be one the year's best. I'm not yet, but I'm still picking it as my favourite white wine of this release. It's a big but balanced wine with lanolin, lemon and butter. 93 Favourite White Wine

912741 Weingut Syudert-Prum Riesling Kabinett 1999, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany $14.95: It may not be the cheapest wine I'm recommending but it's certainly the best value in terms of flavour for the buck. Loads of fruit, a slight petrol aroma that's alluring. 87 Best Value White Wine

904532 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 1999, Napa Valley $44.95: When you can buy a cab this wonderful from California, why shell out for those at $80 and higher? This one has black plums, a touch of mint, full bodied without being overly extracted. 90

438697 Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir 1999, Napa Valley $35.95: Mondavi is producing some of the most elegant, balanced wines in the sunshine state. Take this pinot that's ripe but not stewed. Lovely cherries and spice. 91 Favourite Red Wine